Alabama Woman Reaches 115 Years with Joy

On Thanksgiving Day, Newscenter 11 began a 2-part special report about Hager Robertson Young of Demopolis, who turned 115 years old last month.

We learned from her family that Mrs. Young died Friday at 10:55 a.m.

The family says she lived her life well and they are grateful to have been part of it.

Born October 11, 1896, Hager Robertson Young has seen and experienced more than most. The widowed mother of seven was full of life, especially when she was at her peak point physically.

Young suffered a mini-stroke shortly after her birthday. But up till the end, she didn't let difficulties stop her.

Family members say she shared her secrets with them.

"Her secret is to treat people right," said Hager Theresa Washington, Young's daughter. "Tend to your own business and wait on God."

Washington is Mrs. Young's youngest child. Currently 77 herself, she has been caring for her mother since her father died in 1971. From her mother she says she learned a valuable lesson on life and death.

"She said she knows where she was going. And I asked her if I was going and she said, 'You'll have to do that for yourself'," said Washington.

This is a sentiment that is seemingly shared among the family.

Born August 20, 1914, Young's 97-year-old cousin, Alice Sledge Hargress shares that thinking. They also share feelings about the importance of family.

Citing that the most important thing outside God is family, at age 97 Hargress would still regularly get her son to drive her 12 miles to visit her beloved cousin.

"Because we are kin folks. Family folks should always keep in touch," said Hargress.

As for living long and aging well, Hargress says, 'it's a family thing.'

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